Today, visit the Shanghai Museum, where you’ll have the opportunity to discover some of China's priceless pieces of ancient art consisting of bronze, ceramic, jade and calligraphy; followed by a visit to Shanghai's old town, Yu Garden, Silk factory and the city's colonial European past at the Bund. Your tour will end at Xintiandi, the “French Concession,” where you may wish to enjoy dinner and return to your hotel by taxi on your own. (AB, L)

Day 4 • Shanghai / Yichang: Yangtze Cruise

This morning is at leisure. Later, transfer to the airport for your flight to Yichang, where you will take a motor coach to Maoping to board your Victoria Cruises ship for an unforgettable cruise along the Yangtze River (Port Authority Requirement: boarding begins at 6:00pm). (AB, D)

Day 5 • Yangtze Cruise: Three Gorges Dam Excursion / Xiling Gorge

This morning, visit the Three Gorges Dam which spans the Yangtze River at San Dou Ping; it is the world’s largest power station. Return to the ship and sail through Xiling Gorge, the longest (41 miles) and deepest of the Three Gorges. Continue sailing upstream for the remainder of the day. (AB, L, D)

Disembark for an excursion via cruiser up Shennong Stream with its splendid Small Gorges. Alternatively, your excursion may be on Goddess Stream with its scenic, narrow gorges, while listening to local folk songs. Then, sail into the 25-mile long Wu Gorge celebrated for its Twelve Peaks and quiet beauty. Later, pass through Qutang Gorge, the shortest, narrowest and most dramatic of the Three Gorges. Return to your ship and continue sailing upstream. (AB, L, D)

Day 7 • Yangtze Cruise: Shibaozhai Excursion

Disembark in Shibaozhai with its impressive wooden pagoda, appropriately named “The Pearl of the Yangtze.” Depending on river conditions (if a visit to Shibaozhai is not possible), alternative shore excursion will be to Fengdu, the new resettlement town on the Yangtze’s south bank. Later, return to your ship and continue sailing upstream. (AB, L, D)

Day 8 • Yangtze Cruise: Chongqing / Lhasa

After breakfast, disembark in Chongqing and transfer to the airport for your flight to Lhasa, the capital of Tibet. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by our representative and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure to adjust to the high altitude. (AB, D)

Day 9 • Lhasa

An extraordinary day of sightseeing shows Norbulingkha, the Tibetan summer palace built by the seventh Dalai Lama in the 18th century. Next, visit the scenic Drepung Monastery, once home to 10,000 lamas, or Sera Monastery to see groups of red-robed young monks debate Buddhist doctrines in a lively, traditional style. (AB, L, D)

Day 10 • Lhasa

You won’t soon forget the spectacular architecture at the world-famous Potala Palace. Former living quarters of the Dalai Lama, its massive 1,000-room structure towers over this mountain city. Continue on to the famous Barkhor Market, where you may shop for Tibetan items. At Barkhor Square, tour one of Tibet's holiest shrines, the revered 7th-century Jokhang Temple, where pilgrims come to worship before the statue of the Sakyamuni Buddha lavishly enthroned in gold. This evening, enjoy a memorable Tibetan dinner and show. (AB, L, DS)

Day 11 • Lhasa / Xi'an

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to historic Xi'an, ancient capital of China and site of many archeological treasures. Upon arrival, visit Beiyuanmen Muslim Street and the Grand Mosque. The local market offers a great selection of Chinese Muslim cuisine and craftsmanship. This evening, perhaps, join an optional traditional performance of music and dance from the Tang Dynasty period (extra cost). (AB)

Day 12 • Xi’an

A full day of sightseeing to the extraordinary Terracotta Warriors and the Bronze Chariot buried with Emperor Qin Shi Huang for more than 2,000 years and discovered by farmers in 1974; followed by a viewing of the 360-degrees circle-vision movie (movie subject to availability). (AB, L)

Day 13 • Xi’an / Beijing

After breakfast, fly to the capital of China Beijing, a fascinating city rich in history and memorable UNESCO World Heritage sites. This evening, perhaps, sample one of the famous dishes of the imperial family at an optional Beijing Duck dinner (extra cost). (AB)

Day 14 • Beijing

This morning, see Tiananmen Square and the extravagant Ming-era Imperial Palace in the Forbidden City featuring the living quarters, museum and the jewelry section. The entire complex covers 74 hectares (183 acres) and consists of over 8,000 rooms. The exhibition halls and vaults hold some one million treasures at one of the most important museums in all of China. (AB, L)

Day 15 • Beijing

Today, experience a highlight of your trip, as you visit the renowned Great Wall. On the way, if traffic allows, stop to photograph the iconic “Bird’s Nest”—the Beijing National Stadium—host to many spectacular events of the 2008 Summer Olympics. Then, arrive at the amazing Great Wall and walk along its ramparts as emperors once did.

After lunch, visit a jade factory, where you will learn about different types of jade and its properties. Jade is well known throughout China for its durability, musical qualities, its subtle, translucent colors, and its alleged protective powers. Later, visit Summer Palace declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998. You may enjoy a boat ride on the man-made Lake Kunming (weather permitting).

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The prices shown are U.S. dollars per person, based on double occupancy, and subject to availability. Prices quoted for land/cruise arrangements are subject to increase without notice. Once we have received your deposit, land/cruise prices are guaranteed. Air prices quoted via phone or email are subject to increase and are guaranteed only from the time that full payment is received. Also, air prices or air promotions mentioned on this site or on the phone do not include baggage fees imposed by airlines. Sorry, we are unable to offer air from countries other than the U.S. However, for those international customers who are able to arrange their own transportation to the trip origination city, we are able to offer the land/cruise portion of the package at the price quoted.